As i assumed these Brushless Hub motors would make very efficient pedal generators.Has anyone got any ideas where I can get one from, second hand ideally with a rear sprocket?The 48v versions have a 9 rpm per volt open circuit generating ability.

Much like the PMA's Tim and I are using.Getting a cheap one will prove hard though these days.Sometimes best to buy a full bike that is a none runner(usually needs new batteries) and sell the rest of it back on ebay to get a cheap motor. Especially if its "pick up only" and its local to you. ;)

I've got this electric bike company in London to have a search for one.You never know, a buckled rear wheel is not a problem, and may be common with our crap pot holed roads :o http://www.electricbikesales.co.uk/about/

Ben One of my cycling friends tells me that a common amateur cack after changing tyres is to overtighten the nut on a normal bicycle axle and damage the thread. Of course then the hubs are useless and need to be replaced.

It just might be that with the increasing number of electric bicycles around, bicycle repair shops could be throwing electric hubs with one stripped thread away in quantity soon.

If the stripped thread isn't on the side the wire pokes out, then we'd be in business.

In fact, what a good sideline for an electric bike shop - sell those motors on eBay as suitable for wind turbine......at the usual huge markup.....I think I spotted the flaw in my optimism here.....